Another bidder for the government's troubled private finance initiative in council housing has pulled out – as the government moved to shore up confidence in the programme
United House decided to withdraw from the shortlist for a scheme in Canning Town, east London, late last week. It is understood that the move came after United House appeared to be the overwhelming candidate to win other PFI schemes in Islington and Camden – both in north London.

Contractor Bovis recently pulled out of the race for Camden and in the wake of this and other concerns the government held a meeting with the main bidders to listen to their worries.

Officials from the department met two weeks ago with the principal PFI bidders, including Laing Investments, United House and housebuilder Lovell. A similar meeting is planned with local authorities in the next few weeks. United House was unavailable for comment.

Source

Housing Today